Pitt was selected by the magazine as the No. 6 surprise team in 2009. The Panthers' defensive line was rated No. 12 in the country, while the receivers were ranked No. 15.

Pitt plays a 12-game regular-season schedule this year that includes seven games at Heinz Field. The Panthers' home slate includes games with Notre Dame, Navy and Youngstown State among non-conference matchups, while Cincinnati, Connecticut, Syracuse and South Florida visit Heinz Field to play Big East contests.